Deuteragonists: An Index of Resources
Every story needs its supporting characters: the ones who guide, challenge, and uplift the protagonist.
Let us be the shoulder you lean on!
Whether you’re navigating your first manuscript, exploring publishing options, or refining your craft,
this space is packed with resources to support your journey.
From industry insights to practical guides, we’re here to equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
Resource Websites We Love
We have put together a (growing) list of content we love. As writers, we lean on our support system time and time again. We want to share those supporting characters with you. Check out all of our favorite guides, advice articles, and more below.
Disclaimer: We wholeheartedly recommend these resources as writers ourselves who find them valuable. However, we assume no liability for anyone who reads, participates in, or otherwise engages with these websites or their content. Use your best judgment when navigating these platforms. While they may offer great insights, not all advice is “good advice,” and ultimately, the responsibility to think critically rests with you. We hold no liability for any inappropriate content and we are advising you now that these links lead to external sites over which we hold no control. Please proceed with caution and common sense, and if you are under the age of 18, please only proceed with parental permission. Thank you.
Writers often find themselves embroiled in the solitary activity of writing. As such, these links are our friendly little reminder than you are not in fact alone, but surrounded by a fantastic industry full of passionate, caring, and wickedly smart individuals. Please indulge.
Freelancer Jane Friedman's Blog - JaneFriedman.com
Jane Friedman's unbelievably impressive blog. We've linked to her section on publishing for 2025 - this is a must read for anyone interested in getting published. We recommend The Comprehensive Guide to Finding, Hiring, and Working with an Editor by Chantel Hamilton as a guest author on Jane Friedman's blog. We also recommend The Key Book Publishing Paths: 2025-2026 by Jane Friedman. This is an important topic for many novelists, we think you should check it out!
Author/Novelist Diana Gabaldon's Blog - DianaGabaldon.com
Not only one of our all-time-favorite authors, but an absolutely astounding teacher when it comes to writing. Even if you haven't read her books we highly recommend you check out her blog and listen to her interviews on her writing process and how she got started writing novels.
Literary Agent Janet Reid's Blog - JetReidLiterary.blogspot.com
This is the blog of the late Literary Agent, Janet Reid. Her knowledge was invaluable for writers.
Author K.M. Weiland's Blog - HelpingWritersBecomeAuthors.com
In-depth articles on story structure, writing techniques, and character development - an amazing resource for fiction writers.
Author Joanna Penn's Blog - TheCreativePenn.com
For those interested, or invested, in self-publishing this is for you!
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast - theshitaboutwriting.com
A behind the scenes look at the publishing industry. For writers looking to see behind the curtain.
Kate McKean, Agents + Books Substack - katemckean.substack.com
Kate McKean answers questions about literary agents, publishing, and writing.
Manuscript Wishlist - manuscriptwishlist.com
Check this out if you're looking for an agent. This site has the tools to help you find your match!
The Reedsy Blogs - Blog.Reedsy.com
We happily file this entire site under "Things You Should Be Obsessed With."
We truly love this blog! They're doing their best to help writers evade scammers trying to prey on the publishing industry.
Writer's Digest - writersdigest.com
If it's not here it probably doesn't exist. If you're into info dumps this is your gig.
Copyright Lately Blog - CopyrightLately.com
This website is amazing. It's got the latest and greatest on Copyrights.
Stanford Library on Fair Use - fairuse.Stanford.edu
A resource for understanding copyright law, fair use, and licensing.
Tech & Software We Can't Live Without
We get a lot of questions about tech. Here are our recommends.
Whatever we're writing, or editing, this is our go-to software. Scrivener is amazing for working on long-form pieces like manuscripts or screenplays. It's about $60 or so per license, but we find it to be well worth it. We use Scrivener on our Apple devices, and DropBox allows us to save cross platform. This is also available as an app.
Marketed as "mind mapping software" - this is a unique and awesome tool for those that use visuals in their creative process. Think of it like a cork board but digital. Very useful. It's about $20 or so a license.
If you're using an Apple device or prefer the app store, this is a great editor. It's free with paid options and has multiple save options. We enjoy this app as a free alternative to other editors.
A word of caution: we find online writers forums to truly be a "double edged sword." We believe in the undeniable power of community, but we also know not everyone handles anonymity with grace. We encourage you to participate in forums but only with caution and common sense.
Our undeniable favorite Writers forum. If you're looking for peer review and just need to ask a burning question, this is your place! (We have gotten personal feedback from Diana Gabaldon here, we very highly recommend this forum to all writers.)
We love this forum! A writing community with forums for critique, publishing advice, and more.
A platform for writers to give and receive feedback on their work.
A well-established writing critique group where writers exchange feedback.
Unions & Associations for Writers
A variety of very helpful groups that offer amazing professional resources for writers.
The Authors Guild - authorsguild.org
The Authors Guild supports working authors. They advocate for great contracts, copyrights, and a lot more. The Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization for published writers.
National Writers Union - nwu.org
The NWU "is the only labor union that represents freelance writers working in all genres, formats, and mediums." Pretty cool.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Assoc - sfwa.org
Self-explanatory, really awesome group of people doing really awesome things. They sponsor the Writer Beware blog.
A hub for writers to find contests, literary magazines, and resources.
Classes, Courses, & Further Education
Courses or classes we think will do well to aid writers in their craft.
David Wheeler's Coursera, Write Your First Novel - Coursera.org
This introduction to writing a novel is geared for beginner writers and it's peer-reviewed assignments are a great introduction into critiques. I highly recommend this course for anyone that craves structure in their craft or for those who've never stuck a toe into the publishing industry. This class does offer free audits as of our last check-in.
Our Favorite Agents & Representatives
A humble list of agents that have helped some of our favorite stories come to life.
Baror International - Danny Baror
Diana Gabaldon, Outlander series
Scovil Galen & Ghosh Literary - Russel Galen
Diana Gabaldon, Outlander series
Andrew Nurnberg Associates - Jenny Savill
C.J. Skuse, Sweetpea Series
Compass Literary - Heather Schroder
Candace Bushnell, Sex and the City | Stephan Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephan Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower | Alton Brown, Food for Thought